Dental Exams

The Importance of Dental Exams

Regular dental exams are an important part of preventive health care. Regular dental exams help protect your oral health and general well-being. A dental exam gives your dentist a chance to provide tips on caring for your teeth and to detect any problems early — when they're most treatable.

Contact us if you believe you require a dental exam or have not had a dental exam for a reasonably prolonged period of time. Getting checked out periodically is imperative for your oral health.

What's involved in a dental exam?

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by the dentist at your initial visit at Revelstoke Dental Centre in Revelstoke, British Columbia.

At regular check-up exams, where appropriate, the dentist and hygienist will include the following:

Dental x-rays (radiographs)

Dental x-rays are essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root position.

Tooth decay and existing restorations examination

All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments, as well as current fillings, crowns, and other restoratives.

Gum disease evaluation

Includes the examination of the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

Oral cancer screening

Includes the examination of the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

How often do I need a dental exam?

How often you go for dental exams depends on your oral health needs. The goal is to catch small problems early. For many people, this means a dental exam every six months. Your dentist may suggest that you visit more or less often depending on how well you care for your teeth and gums, problems you have that need to be checked or treated, how fast tartar builds up on your teeth, and so on.

Questions to ask yourself:

Do I floss every day?

Do I brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and follow my dentist's instructions on how to brush properly?

Do I eat a well-balanced diet, including food from all food groups, and limit sweets and sticky foods?

Do I smoke?

Do I have a history of cavities or gum disease?'

Is my overall health good?

The answers to these questions are all factors that affect your oral health. They will help you and your dentist decide how often you need to visit for dental exams. It's worth noting that you should not determine your need for dental care on what your dental plan covers.

Do I need x-rays at each visit?

How often you need to have x-rays depends on your oral health. A healthy adult who has not had cavities or other problems for a couple of years probably won't need x-rays at every appointment. If your dental situation is less stable and your dentist is monitoring your progress, you may require more frequent x-rays.

If you are not sure why a particular x-ray is being taken, ask the dentist. Remember that dental x-rays deliver very little radiation. They are a vital tool for your dentist to ensure that small problems don't develop into bigger ones.